Canada: Sector survey says collaboration between governments and institutions essential to avoid “long-term damage to the sector”

A new IDP survey highlights the scale of the impact the Canadian government’s new immigration policies are having on colleges and universities in the country.

More than 200 international education stakeholders responded to the September 2024 online survey, with most working at universities (37%) or colleges (26%) and three-quarters holding management or executive leadership positions.

Intervention was necessary, but policies aren’t solid

While most respondents felt that government interventions to slow the flow of international students into the country were at least moderately necessary, 68% said they do not approve of the policies themselves (40% “somewhat disapprove” and 28% “strongly disapprove”).

Government gets a failing grade on engagement

More than 8 in 10 (81%) said the federal government’s engagement with international education stakeholders was “poor” (27%) or “very poor” (54%). Just 7% said it was “fair” and 3% it was “good” or “very good.”

Speaking with CBC News earlier this month, Sandy MacDonald, president of Holland College in the province of Prince Edward Island, said:

"We had no input. We were just told, 'This is the way it's going to be. The policy is, I don't think, well thought through — and it's certainly been poorly implemented. Where the problem called for a scalpel, the federal government used a chainsaw.”

Impact on colleges and universities

In total, 87% of respondents said they have been negatively impacted (44% “very” and 43% “somewhat”) by the policies in such areas as operational revenue and ability to recruit overseas.

The survey findings jibe with a mounting number of Canadian media stories about colleges and universities closing campuses and programmes and letting go of staff as international student numbers plummet. Studyportals registered a year-over-year 35% drop in demand for Canada in September 2024 based on pageviews on its site.

Of the survey findings, Simon Emmett, IDP’s chief partner officer and chief executive officer (UK) said:

“Canadian institutions clearly recognise policy changes are necessary to improve quality standards in international education, but what is needed now is clarity from the government so institutions can focus on providing the best student experience. Collaboration between government and institutions is essential to avoid long-term damage to the sector.”

New campaign to remind students of the benefits of Canada

The sector survey also revealed a strong desire for a coordinated national strategy for the Canada education brand overseas. In response, IDP has launched a sector-wide video campaign titled “There’s a future in Canada for you.” The campaign features current international students and alumni from more than 30 institutions talking about their positive experiences in Canada.

Christine Wach, senior vice president for partnerships and stakeholder engagement at IDP North America, said: “We have listened to our students and the sector, and we are actively working with institutions on a nation-wide campaign that will showcase the excellent study opportunities in Canada.”

For additional background, please see:

• “Impact of new immigration settings in Canada already being measured in the billions”
• “Canada announces updates for foreign enrolment cap and post-study work rules”